Vote: NFL coaches on the hot seat

The British philosopher Thomas Hobbes described life in a state of nature as "nasty, brutish and short." Almost makes you wonder if he worked for Al Davis.

The new year brings opportunity for playoff glory to some coaches, but it's sure to bring unemployment to others. So who will be looking for work and who will get a reprieve? Cast your vote on the fate of six embattled coaches and then see what ESPN's gridiron experts think will happen.

So what do the ESPN experts think about who escapes the hot seat and who gets burned? See below for their take on each question and for the results from across SportsNation.

1. Will the 49ers fire Dennis Erickson?Merril Hoge: Erickson will be gone, but it'll be because of his principles. He was lied to by the organization and roped into a deal and now they want him to fire his staff. He'll rightfully stand by his principles and will be let go by the organization because of it.

Sean Salisbury: Erickson is gone. I realize he turned down the Ole Miss job, but I just don't see him making it to next season in San Francisco.

2. Will the Saints fire Jim Haslett?Merril Hoge: No, the way the Saints have finished this seasin has cemented his job status for next season. The Saints have played with an increased fervor and intensity over the past few weeks instead of just laying down like some thought they would. Also, the Saints organization is in such flux right now that they would rather not have to hire a new coach.

Sean Salisbury: The front office likes him and if they make the playoffs he definitely will be back. If this team played like he did when he was in the NFL, he wouldn't be on this list.

3. Will the Seahawks fire Mike Holmgren?Merril Hoge: The fact that the 'Hawks made the playoffs and could still do damage in the playoffs will be enough for Holmgren to keep his job. But the 'Hawks might need to win a game in the playoffs for the organization to feel fully comfortable with Holmgren.

Sean Salisbury: This one is simple. If Holmgren wins a playoff game then he stays and if he loses in the first round then he's gone. He's a great coach, and if he leaves Seattle, he'll be unemployed for maybe a week.

4. Will the Rams fire Mike Martz?Merril Hoge: No, injuries hurt this team throughout this season and the Rams will take that into consideration when deciding on the future of Martz. The organization likes Martz a lot and still believes he can turn things around and make this team a Super Bowl contender again.

Sean Salisbury: Martz will keep his job because there is still a lot of money left on his contract and the front office in St. Louis loves him.

5. Will the Broncos fire Mike Shanahan?Merril Hoge: Shanahan will keep his job. He's an excellent coach and one of the best play callers and designers in the league. Every season coaches evaluate themselves and I'm sure that Shanahan will look at mistakes he may have made and try to rectify them. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos decide to cut back some of his personnel powers.

Sean Salisbury: This is an interesting situation to look at because every week you have to wonder more and more if he's safe. I think if he stays, his general manager duties will probably be stripped or pared down.

6. Will the Raiders fire Norv Turner?Merril Hoge: No, as unpredictable at the Raiders can be, they understand that a team can't be rebuilt in just one season. They will give him more time to work his offense in and to get the players to Oakland that he needs to make his system work. Also, this team was trying to work in a new defensive scheme so they will definitely give Turner more than just one season.

Sean Salisbury: No, one year isn't enough for him to turn the team around. The Raiders are discovering something with quarterback Kerry Collins and will bring Turner back to keep this turnaround going.
Your responses in bold text.

1) Will the 49ers fire Dennis Erickson?

Yes
No

2) Will the Saints fire Jim Haslett?

Yes
No

3) Will the Seahawks fire Mike Holmgren?

Yes
No

4) Will the Rams fire Mike Martz?

Yes
No

5) Will the Broncos fire Mike Shanahan?

Yes
No

6) Will the Raiders fire Norv Turner?

Yes
No

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